Former FBI agent named to Mars Hill position

MARS HILL – Former FBI agent Richard "Rick" D. Schwein Jr. has joined the staff of Mars Hill University as director of the Department of Safety and Security and as a member of the criminal justice faculty.

Schwein has more than 31 years of service to the federal government, including 26 years as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a news release from the college.

In 2011, he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in the FBI Counterterrorism Division and was detailed to the CIA Counterterrorism Center at Langley, Virginia, as the deputy director for law enforcement.

In 2012, Schwein was selected by then-Director Robert Mueller as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Birmingham Division.

Schwein retired from government service in December and returned to Western North Carolina, where he has maintained a home since 2001.

"We are pleased that Mr. Rick Schwein has joined Mars Hill University as the director of Safety and Security," Mars Hill President Dan Lunsford said in a news release. "He brings to the university extensive experience in law enforcement and risk prevention management. We are elevating the emphasis on safety and security for the MHU community; inclusive of enhanced relationships with local law enforcement and fire prevention officials."

Schwein began his FBI career in the Charlotte Division, where he worked both criminal and national security matters. He was a certified undercover employee, served on a SWAT team, was a member of the evidence response team and was certified as a police instructor.

While in Charlotte, Schwein was awarded the FBI Director's Award of Excellence for Outstanding Counterterrorism Investigation.

In 2001, Schwein was named supervisor of the Asheville and Hickory, North Carolina, resident agencies. Additionally, he supervised the manhunt for FBI "Top Ten" fugitive and serial bomber Eric Robert.

In 2004, Schwein volunteered to serve as the FBI operations supervisor during the early phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom.